Charged With Shoplifting in Rahway New Jersey
One of the most frequently encountered Rahway theft offenses is shoplifting. This charge applies to situations where retail theft is concerned. If you were charged with shoplifting at Krauszer’s, Quick Check, 7-Eleven or another retailer in Rahway New Jersey, hiring a lawyer with experience in this area of law is precisely what you need to avoid the consequences of a conviction. Our team of shoplifting defense attorneys have handled hundreds of disorderly persons offenses and indictable theft charges in Union County, including offenses arising in Rahway, over the last several decades. For a free consultation with an attorney at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, call us at 908-272-1700. One of our lawyers is available immediately to assist you.
Shoplifting Offense in Rahway New Jersey
There are six different ways someone can commit a Rahway shoplifting offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-11. An individual is guilty of shoplifting if they commit any of the following with in the intention of keeping the merchandise:
- Take property with the store;
- Conceal property a bag, box, on their person or any other manner;
- Swap price tags;
- Change the container or box of merchandise;
- Under-ring merchandise at a register or participate in such a scheme; or
- Remove a shopping cart from the premises
There are two classes of shoplifting that an individual can face under 2C:20-11.
Disorderly Persons Offense for Shoplifting in Rahway Municipal Court. Most shoplifting charges filed in Rahway under 2C:20-11 fall within the grade of a disorderly persons offense. An offense of this nature either involves a retail theft of property with a value of under $200 or represents a case where the property is valued at more than this amount and has been remanded (i.e. downgraded) as a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense falls under the jurisdiction of the Rahway Municipal Court and carries penalties that include a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in the Union County Jail.
Rahway New Jersey Fourth Degree, Third Degree or Second Degree Shoplifting Charge at Union County Superior Court. An indictable shoplifting offense arises whenever the merchandise stolen has a value of $200 or more. It is a fourth degree crime to shoplift property with a value of at least $200 but less than $500. Fourth degree shoplifting results in a fine of up to $10,000 and the possibility of up to 18 months in state prison. A third degree crime for shoplifting arises when the theft concerns clothing, electronics, food or other goods with a value of at least $500 but less than $75,000. Third degree shoplifting triggers a state prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine that can reach $15,000. A second degree crime for shoplifting can result in a fine of up to $150,000 and 5-10 years in prison.
An individual can obtain relief from a shoplifting charge if they are a first time offender and gain admission into either the Conditional Dismissal or Pretrial Intervention Program.
Rahway NJ Shoplifting Defense Lawyer
As you can see, a shoplifting charge has the potential to become extremely complicated. This is particularly true where the offense involves someone who is a repeat offender or facing an indictable crime of the second degree or third degree for shoplifting in Rahway. The biggest thing you can do to help yourself if you are facing such a situation is to hire the best defense lawyer you can find. The attorneys that are employed at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall can help you escape a conviction utilizing over a century of combined experience. For a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call 908-272-1700. An attorney is ready to work diligently to help you escape a conviction.
